Considering changing 197 for Z4 or similar?

RalphyBMW

Member
Currently have an early Clio 197 which I bought in June 2010 because it was the wrong time of year to buy a Z4.

The Clio was a very nice surprise, but is a bit strong on miles, have had a few issues recently which have knocked my confidence in the car. The Clio is used for a bit of everything, track days, business use, etc.

I do have a small child but occasions when all three of us are in the car are few and far between, plus we have other 4 seat cars that I can use occasionally for that. With this in mind I am considering changing for a 2 seater, possibly either an S2000 / Z4 / Boxster. Budget is limited so whatever I change for will date from the early 2000's, prob an '03 3.0i.

Whatever I buy needs to be presentable, reliable, capable of 30+MPG, comfortable enough to be able to do 400+ miles in a day on occasion, and robust enough for track day use.

Is there anything significant to watch out for on early Z4's? Does anyone who has one have an opinion on the alternatives mentioned?

I am assuming that depreciation on any of these should be pretty light from this point in their lives?

Perhaps I should just be looking at a late E46 / early E90 330d and get something cheap and cheerful for track use?

Any opinions gratefully received, thanks for reading.
 
Whilst there's no doubt that the S2000 is a cracking car, it drinks more petrol than the 3.0i, and has little in the way of useable torque for everyday use vs the 3.0i Z4...

There are some great guides on here to help you buy the right zed. Have a search. Roof motors and rear springs tend to be common problems.

My 3.0i can return 30mpg+ if careful. I dont use mine on a track, but apparently the brakes fade quickly.
 
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